Tag Archives: VA

The Veterans Administration says it is doing its best to respond to a scathing report by the Government Accountability Office which slammed the department’s oversight of construction projects around the country that are running years behind schedule and a combined $1.5 billion over budget.

Toyota Prius owners aren’t bad folks. With a few exceptions, they’re just normal people that appreciate the comfortable, high-mileage hybrid. Someone in Arlington, Virginia doesn’t see it that way, though, as 14 examples (and one Smart) had at least one tire slashed last Sunday night.

The serial tire-slasher didn’t any items from the vehicles, but he or she has left owners with substantial bills and sour dispositions. According to a report from ABC affiliate WJLA, some citizens are considering the matter a hate crime.

Despite the targeting of Toyota hybrids and the acquisition of one fingerprint, police have been unable to make any arrests, as the slasher has targeted vehicles across the county. Take a look at the local news report from WJLAbelow.

The soil next to the side of my house is very soft. When it rains hard, water leaks through the foundation into the basement. When it is dry, the soil is still soft. I live in VA. The soil is mostly clay. The side could definitely use some grading. Is it okay to put some fill dirt on top of the soft soil and grade it away? Will that help? Also will putting mulch or gravel on top of that dirt help with the water problem?

The Veterans Affairs Department has spent millions on employment call centers so overstaffed that workers only handle a call or two per day, inspectors have discovered. The two centers—operated by a private contractor—handled an average of 2.4 calls per operator daily between December 2011 and December 2012, but instead of cutting back on operators, the VA expanded the hours of operation to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, based on projections from the contractor, Fox reports.

The workload then dropped to 1.4 calls a day per employee. The inspector general’s report concluded that the overspend, estimated to reach $13 million through 2015, happened because the department failed to ask the contractor for data on call volume.

Welcome toBrown Harris Wealth Management

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We are interested in serious, longer term investment clients. For this reason, folks who prefer quick returns need not inquire into our services. If you are serious about your wealth management, come interview us, we would love the opportunity to earn your trust.

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Veterans waiting more than a year for a decision on their disability claims are moving to the front of the line, under a new program announced Friday.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responding to criticism about the soaring number of claims that have been pending for longer than 125 days. The VA said that of the nearly 900,000 claims pending in the system, some 250,000 are from veterans who have been waiting at least a year for a decision.

Veterans receive disability compensation for injuries and illness incurred or aggravated during their active military service. The amount of the compensation is based on a rating assigned by the VA.

Allison Hickey, the VA undersecretary who oversees the Veterans Benefits Administration, says provisional decisions will be made based on the evidence currently in the veteran’s file. In some cases, medical exams will be required, and those will be expedited.

Veterans whose claims are granted would get compensation immediately. Veterans whose claims are denied will have a year to submit more information, and if the decision is reversed, benefits will be paid retroactively back to when the claim was first submitted.

Lawmakers approved of the plan to focus on the oldest claims first, but Democratic Rep. Mike Michaud of Maine emphasized that it doesn’t resolve the systemic problems that the VA faces because it relies on paper files. The VA is rolling out a new computer system designed to improve efficiency, but not all regional offices will have that system until the end of the year.

Thanks to your courage and your resolve, we've been able to end one war, and begin winding down another. But for you, and for all our wounded warriors, coming home doesn't mean that the fight is over. In some ways, it's only just begun — President Barack Obama, April 17, 2013

Today we are privileged to celebrate the upcoming journey of some of our amazing Wounded Warriors. These inspiring Veterans will accomplish the daunting task of riding over the next three days and inspiring us all. For these combat-wounded veterans, Soldier Ride uses cycling and the bonds of service to overcome physical, mental, or emotional wounds of war. It’s a wonderful connection as they return to an active lifestyle.

President Obama is committed to caring for our wounded warriors by expanding access to the best health care available and helping them to overcome their injuries, assisting in pursuing employment, and connecting them to the best education available to meet their personal goals. The Administration understands that a successful recovery requires access and connection to quality care and services. That is why in August of last year the President signed a Military Mental Health Executive Order that increases the number of VA mental health professionals and peer-to-peer support counselors.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, everybody. (Applause.) Thank you. Welcome to the White House. Thank you, Rick, for your introduction and for your leadership at the VA. And I want to thank all of you for coming out today.

This is actually good — a little overcast to keep you guys not too hot. This is one of my favorite events of the year.

AUDIENCE MEMBER: I love you, Mr. President!

THE PRESIDENT: I love you back. (Laughter.)

We obviously meet at a time when our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston. Our hearts are with the families of the victims. And now we send our support and encouragement to people who never expected that they’d need it — the wounded civilians who are just beginning what will be, I’m sure for some of them, a long road to recovery.

It’s a road that the remarkable warriors and athletes here know all too well. And, as a consequence, they’re going to serve for all of the families as well as all Americans a continued inspiration.

We do this every spring, and as all of you know, it started in a bar — where a lot of good ideas start. (Laughter.) Chris Carney and some of his buddies, who are here today, were talking about what they could do to support our wounded warriors, and Chris came up with the idea of biking coast-to-coast to raise money and awareness.

Now, even he has admitted in hindsight, “It may have been the beer muscles talking.” But he followed through, and he started in Long Island, he ended in San Diego. Along the way, he inspired people all across the country. And since then, more than a thousand wounded warriors have joined soldier rides across America. This is the fourth time I’ve had the chance to welcome these rides here at the White House. And, as always, we’ve got Army. (Applause.) We’ve got Navy. (Applause.) We’ve got Air Force. (Applause.) And we’ve got some Marines in the house. (Applause.)

Together, with your outstanding families, you represent what’s best in America. When we needed patriots to defend our freedom, you have answered the call. You’ve risked everything for our country and for each other. And you’ve made sacrifices most of us can barely imagine.

So thanks to your courage and your resolve, we’ve been able to end one war; we’re beginning to wind down another. But for you, as is true for all of our wounded warriors, coming home doesn’t mean that the fight is over. In some ways, it’s just begun.

You think about folks like Sergeant Sean Karpf. I first met Sean last June at Walter Reed — he had just lost his left leg to an IED in Afghanistan, he knew that there was a long

CHESTERFIELD, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Harbor Island Development Corp. (OTCQB: HIDC), (the “Company”), through its wholly owned subsidiary BrandSeed Media Services LLC. (“BrandSeed”), a multi-channel direct marketing service provider, today announced that the Company signed an exclusive print marketing agreement with American Enhancement Products, Inc. (“AEP“), a global consumer products company. AEP has committed to expand its marketing campaign with BrandSeed across newspapers nationwide for NxUltra®, an innovative, all-natural supplement enhancing men’s energy levels and sexual performance.

NxUltra is formulated with Nitric Oxide which has been called the “miracle molecule” and has been the subject of Nobel Prize winning research identifying it as a key element promoting heart health and increased circulation levels. BrandSeed has previously developed and executed test campaigns for AEP to build its direct-to-consumer channel for NxUltra. Over the last six months, these tests have confirmed the viability of rolling out the campaign and driving large scale continuity revenues as advertising is increased. These results suggest an ROI achievable of over 300% on first year customer revenues.

There is a high demand for “all-natural” supplements that are an effective alternative to expensive drugs for treating sexual performance problems for the aging male. NxUltra has the added advantage of providing many additional healthbenefits to the consumer and is backed by years of leading edge research. The average cost of male sexual enhancement prescription drugs is $120 per month and the cost is often not covered by insurance providers. NxUltra costs just $49 per month and can be used by many men who are prohibited from taking these drugs due to their other health issues. In addition, NxUltra provides benefits within 30 minutes and last for over 72 hours per pill. As a result, NxUltra has a great value proposition to the consumer and is improving their lives and overall health.

“We are pleased that our initial testing of the NxUltra print campaigns has performed so well. We believe that NxUltra can obtain substantial market share in this billion dollar market. We are working with AEP to build a direct marketing platform to create long term competitive advantage in this growing market. BrandSeed is now in the position to greatly increase media spending and drive substantial recurring revenues from these newly acquired customers,” commented Chuck Anton, President and CEO of Harbor Island Development.

BrandSeed is in the business of providing strategic business development, advertising, marketing and innovation to entrepreneurial companies that have new and exciting products with a goal of becoming national and/or worldwide brands. BrandSeed intends to partner with small inventors to large nationwide brands that are looking to build sustainable competitive advantage and to become market leaders in their consumer categories.

The Company has assembled a team with visionary expertise to create direct marketing platforms across consumer verticals that strive to drive the lowest customer acquisition costs and maximum customer lifetime value. BrandSeed will utilize its expertise in database marketing, quick-to-market testing, and economic modeling to create a scientific approach to maximizing the rollout potential of its consumer offers.

The Company is led by President and CEOChuck Anton, a direct marketing visionary and an entrepreneur himself. He was named an Ernest & Young Finalist for “Entrepreneur of the Year” and has been awarded Virginia’s Fastest Growing Company, Catalog Age “Top 10 Catalog Copy”, and has been awarded Top 5 Website Designs by Information Age. Mr. Anton built his first company, Comtrad (DBA “TechnoScout” with over $75 Million in annual revenues), from one employee to over 300 employees creating one of the worlds’ first and leading multi-channel direct marketing companies. His team launched many successful products via direct marketing across print, television, radio, direct mail and social media including the Memory Foam Mattress, EuroPro’s Shark Vacuum, RCA Wireless Phone Jacks, the Ab Doer and more.

“We are excited to bring BrandSeed to the public markets through Harbor Island Development Corp. We believe we have compiled a team with a proven track record of successfully bringing new and innovative brands and their products/services to market. We look forward to sharing our journey with the investment community and build shareholder value as we begin to execute our growth strategy,” commented Chuck Anton, President and CEO of Harbor Island Development.

About Harbor Island Development Corp.

Headquartered in Chesterfield, VA, Harbor Island Development Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary, BrandSeed Media Services LLC has brought together leaders in multichannel marketing for launching new products and services to market. BrandSeed’s team brings years of

CHARLESTON, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– When it comes to charitable giving, some U.S. cities consistently rise to the top in their adoption of digital giving channels. Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) today released its fifth annual ranking of the Most Generous Online U.S. Cities based on 2012 online giving data from Blackbaud customers.

The rankings remain largely unchanged from last year’s analysis, with the top four cities holding firm. For a second straight year, Seattle, WA earned the top spot, followed by Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC. Minneapolis made the biggest strides, jumping four spots to enter the top 10 in 2012. Bellevue, WA dropped one position and out of the top 10.

The analysis ranks 265 cities with total population of more than 100,000 based on per capita online giving. More than $509 million was donated online by donors in the 265 major cities, a 15 percent jump from 2011.

The current rankings come from donations processed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2012.

Top Ten Most Generous Online US Cities

A ranking of large cities (population > 100,000) based on per capita online giving in 2012:

“Online giving continues to be an important part of a nonprofit’s overall fundraising strategy,” said Steve MacLaughlin, director of Blacbkbaud’s Idea Lab. “While overall giving remains relatively flat, we continue to see double-digit growth in online giving and expect the trend to continue throughout the year.”

Talcott Resolution, The Hartford’s life run-off operations, now capital self-sufficient

Expects first quarter 2013 DAC charge of $600 million to net income due to expansion of hedging program

Company’s capital flexibility significantly enhanced

HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– At its investor meeting being held today, The Hartford said that the risk profile of its legacy variable annuity block has been significantly improved as a result of actions the company has taken, including an expanded Japan variable annuity (VA) hedging program, as well as the benefit of favorable yen weakening and global equity market movements.

“Last March, we announced a new strategy for The Hartford focused on positioning the organization, over time, to generate greater shareholder value by reducing the company’s exposure to market volatility, lowering our cost of capital and increasing capital flexibility,” said The Hartford’s Chairman, President and CEO Liam E. McGee. “A key element of that strategy, along with profitably growing our go forward businesses, is to reduce the size and risk of the legacy VA block. We are pleased that as a result of actions we have taken and global market movements, the risk profile of the legacy VA block has dramatically improved and Talcott’s operations are now capital self-sufficient.”

“The company’s capital flexibility is significantly enhanced since year end, and our capital generation outlook heading into 2014 and beyond is improved,” said The Hartford’s Chief Financial Officer Christopher J. Swift. “With the significant progress we have made on The Hartford’s transformation, excess capital generated by the go forward businesses — property and casualty, group benefits and mutual funds — will be available for potential capital management actions or reinvestment in the businesses for future profitable growth.”

The company also announced that financial results for the first quarter of 2013 will include a deferred acquisition charge (DAC) of approximately $600 million, after tax. The charge reflects the elimination of future estimated gross profits on the JapanVA block due to the increased costs

This call is being webcast by Thomson/CCBN and can be accessed at www.wilshirebank.com. The webcast is also being distributed through the Thomson StreetEvents Network. Individual investors can listen to the call at www.earnings.com, Thomson’s individual investor portal, powered by StreetEvents. Institutional investors can access the call via Thomson StreetEvents (www.streetevents.com), a password-protected event management site, or by dialing toll-free 866-953-6857 (domestic) or 617-399-3481 (international) and providing passcode number 48466954.

The replay will be available for one year on both websites and a telephone replay will be available until April 30, 2013 by dialing 888-286-8010 (domestic) or 617-801-6888 (international) and entering passcode 72662600.

About Wilshire Bancorp, Inc.:

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wilshire State Bank operates 24 branch offices in California, Texas, New Jersey and New York, and eight loan production offices in Dallas and Houston, TX, Atlanta, GA, Aurora, CO, Annandale, VA, Fort Lee, NJ, Newark, CA, and Bellevue, WA, and is an SBA preferred lender nationwide. Wilshire State Bank is a community bank with a focus on commercial real estate lending and general commercial banking, with its primary market encompassing the multi-ethnic populations of the Los Angeles Metropolitan area. Wilshire Bancorp‘s strategic goals include increasing shareholder and franchise value by continuing to grow its multi-ethnic banking business and expanding its geographic reach to other similar markets with strong levels of small business activity.

Military Times Edge Magazine Names American InterContinental University to its Inaugural Best for Vets: Business Schools List

SCHAUMBURG, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– American InterContinental University (AIU), an established provider of both campus based and online business degrees, has been named to the first edition of the Best for Vets: Business Schools list in Military Times Edge Magazine‘s 2013 “Best for Vets” edition.

“AIU has long been dedicated to delivering a quality graduate business program that meets the needs of today’s veterans,” said Ivan Hernandez, manager of military relations at AIU. “We focus on offering tailored military student services along with a quality education that will help veterans succeed in their pursuit of a business degree and we are honored to have this dedication recognized by Military Times Edge Magazine.”

Military Times Edge magazine is an independent source of news and information for the military community. More than 100 graduate business programs which responded to the survey were evaluated on numerous criteria identified by the publication as factors which student veterans value most when selecting a business program, including:

Acceptance of American Council on Education (ACE) credit:AIU follows the ACE Guide to The Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services to evaluate military training and experience for academic credit. AIU is also a member of the Service members Opportunity College (SOC) Consortium. The university’s team of Prior Learning Assessment professionals evaluates college credit earned at other schools as well as from CLEP, DSST, Advanced Placement (AP) exams or specific training and MOS experience for possible transfer credit towards degree completion at AIU.

Accreditation:AIUbusiness administration degrees are recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). AIU is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS).

Yellow Ribbon Participation: Indicating whether a school is participating in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department’s Yellow Ribbon program during the 2012-13 school year. In this program, a school and the VA contribute equal amounts to make up the difference between a college’s tuition and the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s nationwide cap. AIU participates in Yellow Ribbon at both its ground campuses and online programs.

“Being recognized as the best online school and one of the best business schools for student veterans shows our ongoing commitment to helping military members reach their higher education goals,” said Jim Hendrickson, CTU vice president of military relations and executive director of the CTU Wounded Warrior Scholarship Program. “CTU is dedicated to providing these deserving individuals with the academic programs and career support they need, including a virtual campus they can access anywhere, anytime.”

More than 650 schools responded to this year’s “Best for Vets: Colleges 2013” survey and more than 100 responded to the first-ever “Best for Vets: Business Schools” survey sponsored by Military Times, an independent source of news and information for the military community. For each, schools were rated on numerous factors identified by the publication that are considered to be valued in a college or university by student veterans, including:

Yellow Ribbon participation – indicates whether a school is participating in the Veterans Affairs Department’s Yellow Ribbon program during the 2012-13 school year, under which a school and VA contribute equal amounts to partially or fully make up the difference between a school’s tuition and the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s nationwide cap. CTU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program at the highest level permitted and has no restriction on the number of students or programs that are eligible for these funds.

Veterans’ office – indicates whether a school has a central office for handling veterans’ issues. CTU has a vice president-level administrator exclusively supporting a military and veteran specific department that …read more

ROANOKE, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– In an effort to simplify its organizational alignment, improve role clarity and provide a more intense focus on strategic and operational execution, Advance Auto Parts, Inc., (NYS: AAP) , a leading automotive aftermarket retailer of parts, batteries, accessories, and maintenance items, today announced several organizational changes.

George Sherman will be joining the Company as President. In his role as President, Mr. Sherman will be responsible for growing Commercial and driving excellence throughout the Company’s operations. Mr. Sherman will lead the Company’s Commercial Sales, Field Operations, Store Operations Support, Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain and Ecommerce Teams.

Mr. Sherman served as an officer in the United States Air Force for seven years. Afterward, he was with Target for 15 years where he worked his way from Store Manager to Regional Vice President, then served as Senior Vice President, Store Operations for their Mervyn’s department stores. He then moved to Home Depot where he led their installation business as Senior Vice President and President of their Home Services Division. Most recently, Mr. Sherman served as Senior Vice President, Best Buy Services, which included leading the Geek Squad. Mr. Sherman will report to Darren Jackson, Chief Executive Officer and will relocate to Roanoke, VA.

Charles Tyson, who currently serves as Senior Vice President, Merchandising and Marketing, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain. Mr. Tyson joined Advance in 2008 as Senior Vice President, Merchandising and has been instrumental in improving the Company’s gross profit rate, strengthening its parts assortment and positioning the Company as an industry leader in inventory availability. In his new role, Mr. Tyson will report to George Sherman, President.

Jim Durkin, who currently serves as President, Autopart International (AI), will assume the new role of Senior Vice President, Commercial Business. Mr. Durkin will be responsible for the Company’s Commercial Sales Team, Commercial Marketing and AI. Mr. Durkin joined AI in 2011 and under his leadership AI has seen its largest period of growth and expansion. Before joining AI, Mr. Durkin led the global business segment of OfficeMax where he served as Executive Vice President. Prior to OfficeMax, Mr. Durkin served as Vice President, Sales for ARAMARK Corporation. Mr. Durkin will report to Mr. Sherman and will relocate to Roanoke, VA. All changes outlined above are effective April 21, 2013.

Tammy Finley, who most recently served as Vice President, Employment Counsel and Government Affairs, has been promoted to the …read more